Venus and Serena Williams altered the landscape of tennis by consistently proving their ability to play with grit, raising the bar, and inspiring the world to attempt to keep up. They entered the Tennis Arena at a period when the sport was experiencing severe difficulties, particularly on the women’s side. However, their perseverance and enthusiasm in fighting for their own spot in the tennis arena truly gave beauty to the sport.

But leaving everything aside, watching them play is quite different from playing on the same ground with them. Recently, Leander Paes, an Indian tennis player who has watched them play, paid a beautiful tribute and discussed what the legendary sister team contributed to tennis.

What’s it like to have Venus and Serena Williams?

In an exclusive conversation with The Week, the 50-year-old Indian tennis star discussed secret tales of the life lessons he has gained from the tennis field. And when describing his career as a tennis player, he also paid a beautiful tribute to the Williams sisters. He talked about how the 41-year-old American tennis legend’s story is not just about a simple African American girl making it great in a sport.

But it’s far more than that, they have inspired millions of girls during their two-decade-long tennis career. He said, “They were two of my favorite partners. But they redefined the world using tennis as the vehicle. They taught young girls―not just African-American girls―that as a woman, you, too, can be a champion in the world. It’s not just about the men.” 

Along with that, the 18-time Grand Slam champion also highlighted how, even though he has played with the 23-time Grand Slam champion at Washington Kastles, even their six world championship victories don’t really matter. As they have given more to the sport than just becoming some of the most well-known tennis personalities in the world.

READ MORE – 43-Year-Old Venus Williams’ Mallorca Visit Culminates in the Legend Training at Rafael Nadal’s Famous Tennis Academy

Well, that’s not it, after battling for pay equity, they were the ones who collected an equal size Champions cheque, bringing a significant shift to the Tennis sector.

Williams’ sister’s role in bringing about an equal Championship payout

Despite the fact that Billie Jean King initiated the women’s tennis revolution, the Williams sisters were more successful in enacting actual change. The famous sister team has always been forthright about how much equity needed to be changed in the sport.

However, after years of voicing their thoughts, the actual shift only occurred in 2007. Like Roger Federer, the eldest Williams sister also received an equal share of the prize money. That was the day that women’s tennis received widespread notice and was valued.

And today, based on how things have developed, the 41-year-old American tennis legend is one of the highest-paid female athletes the world has ever known.

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